Thinking of getting a MacBook Air for college

I am looking into getting a MacBook Air for my college classes. I plan on majoring in CIS (Computer Information Systems), but for the first 2 years I am not going to be taking any computer intensive courses. Mainly just the basic math, english, psychology, humanities, etc.

I have a very powerful gaming desktop (Gateway FX6800-01e) that I'll be bringing with me, so all I'll really be using my laptop for is writing papers, taking notes, surfing the net, watching movies, webcamming with my family, etc.

My desktop is what I'll be doing the more resource-hogging things for such as games, DJ'ing, photo editing, etc.

Is the MacBook Air a good solid choice? I'm looking for portability and long battery life.

 

I would say so yes. It does have a nice set of features. If you got the money i think you should. There are cheaper options but the mac is good.

 

It's pretty good if all you're doing is the average things. It's one of the lightest laptops that you can get.

Another option is to get those MSI netbooks which also has 13.3" screen ( think) which are as thing as macbook air, but cost about $1000 less. Those "netbook" will also work since they'll handle web surfing/watching movies/typing and all those regular stuff perfectly. Also, battery life might be longer than Macbook Air thus that might also be a bonus.

BTW.. I didn't even know CIS is a major. I got the top student award for CIS 2 days ago in my school.

 

why the Air? I'd go for a Macbook or Macbook Pro 13"ers... barely bigger.. better specs....

 

because the air is thin and light, as in literally thin and light, not the 14.1" laptop category. I could even feel the weight of my 2LB netbook in my backpack.

 

I don't know if I'd like that or not, fretting because I can't tell if the notebook is even in there or not without checking on it.

 

yes it is amazingly thin and light....

until you realized you have the notorious display wobble and hinge problem just after the warranty expired.

 

It's an excellent choice. I would just consider the possibility that you may want to DJ on your laptop eventually, in which case pay a little extra and get a macbook pro.
For computer information systems, any kind of mac laptop could handle it. UNIX based and can run windows, so you can install all kinds of software.

 

air now starts @ 1499 for base and 1799 for ssd and 2.1 ghz cpu,which looks reasonable to me.and you get student discount and free iPod touch

 

I dunno.. I've held a Macbook Unibody and a Macbook Air side by side and compared them... I didn't find it that much of a difference for the differences in specs... but the Air is a bit better priced now. I'm definitely not the strongest person in the world, but putting them in a bag I couldn't really tell which one was in there, even if they are 2 lbs difference. I know some people would see it different, but I always recommend actually using and trying to carry around both before making the a decision just based on specs or reviews.

 

for the basic needs the OP listed Id agree with jackluo and go with one of the larger netbooks

 

I haven't seen anyone really praise the Air all that much. I'd recommend the 2.26 13inch macbook pro. 4.5lbs is pretty darn light and you'll end up saving a ton of money which you may need for the future when you want to get a graphics intensive laptop for CIS.

 

The MBP 13 inch is wicked.

Or go with that super small HP laptop in those Verizon commercials. AREN'T THEY AWESOME? Maybe not.

What college are you going to?

 

I would stay away from the Macbook Air to be honest. It lacks most important things in a computer ( No optical drive, hardly no ports at all) If your going to want to use a decent computer at school, I would take into account that your going to want a computer that boots up quick and that you can install applications on the fly. I'm telling you, if you get the Air your going to have nothing but problems and your going to regret it. I would recommend a macbook pro. It is very thin for most computers that are out there and there defiantly isn't any shortage on important ports. Believe me, you won't be disappointed with a MBP!!!!